About The Jungle Villa
On Sri Lanka’s Southern coast, The Jungle Villa is a stunning private villa that brings a slice of modernism to the Sri Lankan jungle. Designed to connect with nature, The Jungle Villa is a unique tropical retreat venue and private villa, set on an expansive piece of now-protected wildlife with a stunning infinity pool, fire pit and yoga shala.
Saved from being chopped down and turned into a coconut plantation, the land is special to us. We honour the jungle we”ve preserved, integrating ourselves around it, and still presenting luxury, with 8 modern bedrooms rooms all featuring air-con and en-suite bathrooms (sleeping up to 17 guests.
The protecting of nature features heavily in the orchestration ofthe property, where you’ll even noticethe boundary wall bends and turns to avoid the unnecessary chopping down of established trees. We are proud that no established tree was chopped down in the construction and renovation of this stunning property.
Embrace nature all day by the huge infinity pool, staged half way up the tree canopy for a gorgoeus vantage and prepare for delicious meals in various settings around the villa, including our outdoor dining table, set underneath the tree canopy or enjoy an evening bbq in the firepit
When you want to leave, simply hop in a tuk tuk for 7 minutes and go beach hopping, catch some waves at one of the many local surf breaks or eat out at one of Ahangama’s many great retaraunts.
Staying in Sri Lanka for longer? Make sure to visit UNESCO World Heritage Site: Galle Fort, or go on Safari in Yala for an opportunity to spot leapoards.
Meet Our Team
The Weather in the South of Sri Lanka
We all know weather forecasters have a reputation for being wrong, but here’s how we predict the seasons:
1st December – 28th February
Sunny + hot with an occasional downpour
1st March – 30th June
Sunny + hotter with an occasional downpour
1st July – 30th September
Sunny + less hot + a daily downpour or two.
1st October – 30th November
Sometimes gorgeous, sometimes very wet…
For surfing: The most consistent waves tend to come between December and April. Weligama, Hiriketiya and Dewata work year round.
December – April in South Sri Lanka can feel busy. Restaurants, bars, surf breaks will be pretty full, there are also lots of parties around this ‘high season.
To experience the more relaxing option of island life, visit between May and November.Our rates fluctuate widely between the months. So if you like a deal, consider coming during these months.
Beaches and Surf Breaks
Weligama: The most developed beach in the area, Weligama boasts numerous surf shacks and larger hotels. Like Kabalana, it’s an excellent spot for beginner surfers. For more experienced surfers, paddling out to The Island or Fishermen’s can offer bigger waves. The surf breaks in Weligama include Weligama Beach, Fishermen’s, and The Island.
Kabalana: Perfect for families, Kabalana offers a great beach for kids to build sandcastles and collect seashells. It also features a beginner-friendly beach break and several local surf schools where you can rent boards. The primary breaks here are Kabalana Beach and The Rock.
Midigama: A long, beautiful stretch of beach, Midigama is known for its resident cows and the local boys who often play cricket at sunset. The surf breaks in this area include Lazy Left, Lazy Right, Plantations, Coconuts, and Ram’s.
Ahangama Secret Beach: This small, often deserted cove is a true hidden gem. Tucked away down an alleyway opposite the Hotel School just past Ahangama, it offers a tranquil escape. While a small coconut stall might occasionally be present, the main attraction is the pristine golden sand. Surf breaks here include Marshmallows/Insight, Sticks, Animals, Gas Stations, Sion, and Dreamsea Left.
Important Safety Note: Be aware that sea conditions can be rough during the monsoon season. Most beaches lack lifeguards, and even seemingly calm coves can have dangerous rip tides. Always exercise extreme caution when swimming in the ocean during the monsoon. Before entering the water, consult locals and nearby businesses about current conditions.
Activities and Trips
Nature & Wildlife:
- Turtles + Rock Pools: Spot wild turtles at Dalawella and Thalpe Beach (or visit a sanctuary in Koggala). Even if the turtles aren’t out, a swim in the rock pools is a fantastic experience.
- Elephant Safari: Explore Sri Lankan wildlife with a day trip to either Yala (for leopards, but potentially crowded) or the closer and generally recommended Udawalawe National Park. We can help you organize a trip to Udawalawe.
- Madu River Safari: Combine a visit to Lunuganga with a boat tour of the Madu River for a serene experience.
Culture & History:
- Galle Fort: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort, with its Portuguese and Dutch architecture. Wander the cobblestone streets, catch the sunset from the ramparts, and do some shopping. It gets hot during the day, so plan your visit for the morning or late afternoon.
- White Tea Plantation: Visit the Handunugoda Tea Estate, just 15 minutes from PALM, for a guided tour of a tea plantation and factory (USD 2 per person). Stock up on a variety of teas to take home.
Experiences & Activities:
- Hiriketya: Enjoy the perfect palm-fringed horseshoe bay of Hiriketya. Surf or swim in the morning, have lunch at one of the many restaurants, and enjoy sunset drinks at a beach shack. Don’t miss the award-winning cocktails at Smoke & Bitters (@smoke_n_bitters).
- Lunuganga + Madu River Safari: Discover the beautiful 12-acre Lunuganga gardens, the former country estate of architect Geoffrey Bawa (guided tours only, restaurant by booking). Combine this with a boat tour of the Madu River or a visit to the Brief Garden.
- Cooking Classes: Immerse yourself in Sri Lankan cuisine. Learn about local ingredients and cooking techniques with Susanthi and her daughter at @SeaWavesRestaurant, including a trip to the local veg and fish market.
- Bike Tours: Explore the scenic backroads of Ahangama (@jungleridesbyaja) or Unawatuna (@idlebikes) by bicycle, discovering hidden paddy fields, lakes, and wildlife.
Where To Eat and Drink
Restaurants (with specific cuisine):
- Casa Tikiri (@casatikiri): Newly opened boutique hotel in Kabalana serving delicious, authentic Italian food. Reservations are essential.
- Malabar Hill (@malabarhillsrilanka): Luxury resort near Weligama (20 minutes from PALM) reminiscent of Rajasthan, offering a romantic setting with views of paddy fields and the ocean. Booking essential.
- Manori’s Kitchen (@manoris_kitchen_ahangama): “Home restaurant” in the backroads of Ahangama serving honest home-cooked Sri Lankan meals.
Restaurants (general/varied):
- Abode by the Beach (@abode.bythebeach): Beachy restaurant overlooking Sion surf break, serving fresh produce with a focus on seafood and small bites. Don’t miss the cocktails.
- Ceylon Sliders (@ceylonsliders): Beachfront restaurant, bar, and surf shop on Ahangama beach, offering steps, tables, sunbeds, board rentals, and an AC indoor space.
- Fort Printers (@thefortprinters): Beautifully renovated hotel restaurant in Galle Fort, serving locally sourced produce in their frangipani courtyard overlooking the lap pool. Booking essential.
- Locale (@locale.lk): Gastrobar on the Weligama beach road with outstanding ingredients, food, and cocktails. Check their Instagram for live music nights.
- Thilenis (@thilenis_ahangama): Beachfront restaurant with views of Ahangama bay and surf spots. Relax on comfy beanbag sun loungers.
Cafes & Brunch:
- Black Honey Cafe (@black.honey.cafe): Beautifully designed daytime café in Kabalana with a pool and paddy field views, serving innovative breakfast fare and outstanding coffee.
- Sisters Away (@sisterssrilanka): Must-visit brunch spot in Kabalana serving delicious home-baked bread by a Turkish sister duo.
- Wild + The Sage (@wildandthesage): Cute bookshop and café serving all-day food and delicious coffee in their garden.
Bars & Nightlife:
- Hakunda Matata (@hakuna_matata_ahangama): Cute beach shack just outside Ahangama town with a private cove and beautiful sunset views.
- Harding & Mr. M (@hardingboutiquehotels): Urban chic boutique hotel in Ahangama. Try to snag a seat at their rooftop bar for sunset (by booking only).
- Lighthouse (@lighthouse_ahangama): Popular sunset spot with 180-degree ocean views (after climbing 4 flights of stairs).
- Soul & Surf (@soulandsurfsrilanka): Surf and yoga retreat with a “canteen” open to the public for cocktails and fresh bites, overlooking stilt fishermen and the sunset. Check out their Sunday Sessions.
- Trax (@trax_ahangama): Beautifully restored colonial house near the train tracks between Ahangama and Kabalana, serving cocktails and open late with local and international DJs.
- Uncle’s (@hoteldeuncles): Little sister to a popular Colombo cocktail bar, located right on Ahangama beach and serving tasty short eats.